"Although Schindler's List is in the best situation right now, we can't be too lax in the work of canvassing for votes. Throughout the ages, there have been many people who failed at the last moment because they were too lax," Adriaan said in Laffern's office.
For a long time, he had personally come to his office to talk about these matters, and he almost never asked the other relevant staff to do so. This was the initiative to maintain Laffern's authority in the company. Faced with his boss's trust, Laffern naturally returned the favor. He rarely messed up the tasks entrusted to him.
"Okay, I'll keep in close contact with all parties." Laffern nodded and wrote it down on the memo.
"As for other aspects …" Adriaan pondered for a few minutes. "Do your best to promote Tom Hanks for Best Actor. If necessary, give up Holly Hunter for Best Actress!"
Laffern was a little surprised. Although he knew that Adriaan would not change his mind once he made a decision, he still reminded him out of duty. "Compared to Tom, Holly's support is higher, Eide."
"I know." Adriaan nodded. "But, you know that I'm preparing for the new movie, which is adapted from Winston's political satire novel. I've chosen Tommy as the male lead. As long as there are no accidents, there is an 80% chance that he will win Best Actor at next year's Oscar."
Speaking of this, how could Laffern not understand? Just two years ago, Adriaan said the same thing to him, and last year's Oscar proved that he could do what he said, so he did not hesitate or doubt at all. "I understand."
Adriaan let out a long breath. Before this, Tom Hanks had not given him a clear answer, but after this year's Oscar nomination list came out, he immediately called to express his willingness to take the role. Adriaan knew very well that this had nothing to do with Hanks, and he also knew what role his agent played during this time.
This was very normal. Although the agents served the actors, they still had to consider their own interests first. The more the actors got, the more they would get. Therefore, the agents were more willing to persuade the actors to accept movies with higher pay. Sometimes, they would even think of ways to privately reject some seemingly mediocre offers. The A-list actors and those who had been famous for a long time had considerable autonomy, but the second- and third-rate actors and actresses who had just become famous often had loopholes taken advantage of by their managers. It was no wonder that people said these guys were all vampires, but the difference was that these vampires would still do their best after drinking blood.
Adrian had been treated like this when he first invited Pacino to act in "Scenting Women." But now that he had the title of "Miracle Director," it was worth recalling. He could even imagine how his agent had tried to persuade Hanks. "Look, although he helped Al Pacino win the Oscar, it doesn't mean that he can guarantee another person will also win the Oscar. This kind of thing depends on luck, and we can't put our luck on one person." Yes, I know you promised him, but acting in Philadelphia Story is enough. Besides, you promised him at the party. "
The last time he discussed with Hanks, he had some opinions about the script. Coupled with his agent's constant persuasion, Adriaan had not given him a clear answer because he was busy with his own matters after entering 1994. Of course, once the list of nominees was out, the agent could not say anything. As mentioned earlier, A-list actors had a lot of autonomy in this regard. There were also times when agents were fired because they hid certain offers from their employers.
Although he was not very happy, Adriaan did not intend to settle the score now. Anyway, Hanks had already agreed. At least he was a good person, and sometimes, after a period of time, he might be able to reap more benefits by bringing up old scores.
"Of course, if possible, try to do PR for Holly as much as possible. You have to balance this, Laffer," Adriaan said after thinking for a while.
"I will be careful." Laffern nodded to show that he understood.
Although Adriaan had noticed this before and began to guide Spielberg to set up his own film company in advance, Bosworth Pictures was still in the limelight. Last year, it had been nominated for two Best Movies. This year, it had been nominated for two Best Movies, and one of them was almost guaranteed. This was not good news for other film companies.
What's more, in just three years, Bosworth Pictures, which had been on the decline, had become a second-tier film company in Hollywood and had a lot of influence in independent film production. Although the number of films produced and distributed was not many, 70% of them were profitable. No one would ignore such an achievement. Even the seven major companies could not guarantee that more than 70% of the films produced and distributed would be profitable, let alone those that were profitable.
The executives of the major film companies knew who created such a situation for Bosworth Pictures. In addition, its parent company, AC Media, had risen like a comet, and was currently negotiating with TBS. Even if Bosworth Pictures had a good relationship with several film companies, such as Universal and Fox, once certain interests were involved, the major companies might join forces to suppress it, just like what happened to DreamWorks in Adriaan's memory.
But there was no need to worry too much. There were no eternal friends, only eternal interests. Besides, AC Media had already entered Viacom's board of directors by taking advantage of Viacom's acquisition of Paramount. It had also established a good relationship with the Jewish organization through Schindler's List, and it had a large network. As long as Claude played well, even if there was a suppression, it could be reduced to a minimum.
Adriaan told Laffern to cooperate with Claude. As long as he won Best Movie, Best Director, and Best Actor, he could let go of the rest.
Anyway, it just so happened that the theme song for 'Philadelphia Story' was produced by a record company under AC Media. Although the quality was not bad, it was not as good as the original version, so it did not get a nomination for Best Song. Although it unexpectedly got a nomination for Best Original Score, it was almost a given for John Williams. The Piano Class also lost a nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Some things were still very random. Campion chose a New Zealand girl named Nancy Wall to play the female lead's daughter. Although her performance was not bad, it was not good enough to be nominated.
Although it was a pity to give up on the female lead, it did not matter. The winner was still unknown, and Holly would find someone to do PR herself. Besides, this did not affect Adriaan's current reputation. After all, he was the producer of all three movies. Although everyone knew that he was only the producer of The Piano Class, it was an indisputable fact that he had recommended Holly Hunter.
In addition, Nissen and Hanks were both nominated for Best Actor, and Fiennes was nominated for Best Supporting Actor. These were enough to maintain the reputation of the Miracle Director — or rather, reputation in the industry.
After finalizing the strategy for the Oscars, Adriaan left everything to Laffern like before. Then, he began to prepare for the new movie. He had produced a movie last year, but it was only released this year. He did not have the demeanor of a workaholic at all. After lazing around for so long, it was time to put in some effort. But before that, he still had to settle some troublesome or interesting things that might be brought about by accidents.
"Hello, Monica, it's nice to see you again." Julia raised her chin slightly and extended her hand to Monica. She looked a little arrogant. She was wearing a black women's suit jacket, a pair of shorts of the same color, and a pair of high-heeled sandals. Her two slender and well-proportioned legs were completely exposed. Her brown wavy hair hung on both sides of her shoulders. She looked very elegant.
"It's nice to see you again too, Julia." Monica smiled and shook her hand. She did not have any other expression, but she tightened her grip on Adriaan's arm. She was wearing a purple slim-shoulder low-cut dress. Her unusually full breasts were even more eye-catching in the bra, especially the deep cleavage. It was very attractive.
Now, the cleavage was sticking to Adriaan's arm, and it even rubbed against it a few times. This provocative action made Julia's expression change slightly.
"You have a great figure, Monica. I think you must have put in a lot of effort." Julia said with a chuckle and looked at her without blinking. Although Monica maintained a smile, she did not hold back her words. "Yes, after all, for a woman, a good figure is sometimes enough."
The two women stared at each other without showing any weakness. There seemed to be sparks and lightning crackling between their eyes.
"Alright, ladies." Adriaan coughed softly. "Let's put aside this debate for now. For any beautiful and sexy lady, a figure and temperament are indispensable. For example, you two."
Although he was obviously trying to smooth things over, Monica echoed, "Indeed. Let's go over there. Eide, I saw Director Mandy and the others."
But at the same time, she pressed her breasts even tighter. Adriaan's arms were about to sink into the cleavage. He was now next to her, and she had the upper hand. Hence, Monica did not care about Julia's provocation at all.
Julia was obviously a little unwilling, but seeing that Monica had said so, she did not want to pester her anymore. She just raised her hand and made an inviting gesture, then ignored the apologetic look in Adriaan's eyes when he walked past her.
Adriaan chuckled and did not take it to heart. Today was Valentine's Day, and it was also the premiere of "Delicious Love". This was Monica's first movie as the female lead, so he naturally had to attend with her. He just did not expect Julia to come.
However, this was not the first time Monica and Julia had done this. The two women had met at a party before. At that time, Adriaan had Julia with him, and Monica was alone. Just like today, the two women had been at loggerheads the moment they met. That day, Julia had won, and today, Monica had made a comeback. There was no need to talk about the key to victory.
"I believe the audience will definitely be surprised. Although I only saw the incomplete test version at that time, I can definitely make such a judgment," Adriaan said when talking to Director Mandy Gale and others about the upcoming movie.
"Of course, of course. You know, Monica's performance is really great," Gale said confidently.
"Thank you." Monica's smile was very charming. Although she was no longer holding Adriaan's arm like before, they still stood together intimately. It was obvious that they were in a relationship.
"Don't forget about Lehmann," Adriaan reminded as he pointed to the male lead, Lehmann Atkinson, who was standing beside Gale.
"Oh, yes yes yes, Lehmann is also very good." Gale laughed and patted Atkinson's shoulder.
Adriaan took the opportunity to whisper in Monica's ear, "I think I have to leave, Monica."
"It's only been a few minutes, and you're already thinking of going to see her?" Although Monica's tone was displeased, her expression was a little faint. "Don't forget, you promised me, Eide."
"I know, but it's not good not to see her. Besides, I came over to comfort you last time." Adriaan reminded, and at the same time, his hand, which had been on Monica's perky butt, squeezed it hard. They were standing against the wall, so they did not have to worry about being seen.
Although Monica frowned slightly, she then glanced at Adriaan flirtatiously.
"Alright, then go and comfort her." She emphasized the word "comfort".
Adriaan chuckled and pinched Monica's round butt again. Then, he found an excuse to leave.
At that moment, Julia was drinking glass after glass of champagne at the bar. Although she looked calm on the surface, if one were to look closely, they would notice that she was secretly gritting her teeth. Obviously, she was in a very bad mood.
"Hi, Julie, I'm so happy to see you. You still remember me …" A man walked over.
"Sorry, I don't remember anything, and I'm not interested in talking to you. If you want to talk to me, please find someone else!" Julia said stiffly without even looking at him. Ignoring the man's awkward expression, she picked up her cup, jumped off the high stool, and walked away without caring about the direction she was going.
After walking for dozens of steps, Julia stopped. Then, she covered her head and let out a low moan. This made her slightly sober. She looked around and realized that she was already at the corner of the wall. She let out a long breath and turned to leave. However, as soon as she turned around, she bumped into someone. Then, a familiar voice sounded, "Ha, I think you must have drunk a lot of champagne."
"Eide!" Although Julia called out the other person's name in an angry tone, there was a flash of joy in her heart.
"What? Did I say something wrong? "Adriaan pretended to be surprised and said," Does champagne not contain alcohol? "
Julia rolled her eyes. "Don't you need to accompany your sexy lover?"
"Now? No, I want to accompany you, "Adriaan said with a smile and reached out to hold her waist.
"There are a lot of people here … Eide!" Julia widened her eyes and stared at him before she could finish speaking.
"Ah, your buttocks feel quite good too," Adriaan said admiringly.
"Really? Which one is better, compared to your Monica?" The words that she wanted to reprimand involuntarily changed to something else. Julia could only show her imposing manner by crossing her arms.
"Well …" Adriaan dragged his voice, and the strength of his hands suddenly increased. Not only was he more unscrupulous, but he also had a little technique and rhythm. Julia's body suddenly tensed up.
"Stop, Eide!" She quickly looked around, and then said with gritted teeth. Her face became a little red, and at the same time, she felt a trace of strange excitement.
"Well, each has its own merits." Adriaan stopped and said with a smile.
"You bastard." Although she said that, she didn't blame him at all.
"Sorry, Julie, I can't stay for too long. After all, this is the premiere of Monica's movie." Adriaan suddenly put on an apologetic expression. "So, can you take a walk with me in Orange County the day after tomorrow? We can set up parasols on the beach, drink champagne, and talk about some interesting topics while listening to the undulating waves. We can also hold a party and invite some people to join. Take it as compensation for not being able to spend the day with you, okay? "
"You're doing it again. Don't think that this will … Ah!" Julia let out a low scream halfway through her sentence. Adriaan's hands on her buttocks began to move again. What was different from before was that he increased the strength and changed the rhythm while moving further inwards. Julia was wearing shorts, and in a sense, it was more convenient than a short skirt.
"Stop, Eide!" Julia said with a red face and gritted teeth. However, she didn't dare to move because she was afraid of being seen. She just squeezed her buttocks with all her might.
"I'll stop as long as you promise me," Adriaan said with a smile.
"You're blackmailing me!" Julia's breathing quickened.
"No, no, no, my dear, I'm just begging you." Adriaan raised his eyebrows, and his fingers slid down along her buttocks.
"Okay, okay, I promise you! That's good enough! "Julia finally gave in.
"That's great. That's a deal then." Adriaan laughed and kissed the corner of her mouth. Then, he turned around and left quickly.
"Bastard!" Julia took a few steps back and leaned against the wall in the corner. Her chest heaved up and down rapidly. Although she cursed in a low voice and glared at Adriaan's back, her eyes were still in a trance.
It was really interesting to see her struggle. The corner of Adriaan's mouth curled up slightly as he thought about it. But, give yourself to me as soon as possible, Julia.
At this moment, a crisp voice sounded in his ear, "Mr. Adriaan, can I ask for personal guidance?"
Then, a beautiful girl appeared in front of him.
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